McDonald’s want to bring back plastic toys to Happy Meals

They want to give families more 'value'

The famous meal has been synonymous with the fast food chain for almost four decades in the UK.

Plenty of changes have been made to the meal in a red box since its arrival, with the yellow smile disappearing from boxes, the introduction of four new food options as well as healthier alternatives.

However, one of the biggest changes was the removal of plastic toys which happened in 2021 as part of a bid by the company to reduce its environmental impact.

Now, this change looks set to be reversed, as the company re-evaluates its stance on plastic toys in Happy Meals.

The company argue that plastic toys are more durable and therefore more likely to be passed on for new generations to enjoy.

Because of this, Maccies are looking at using more "durable materials", that include plastic, to make their toys, to five families the "value" they deserve without infringing on global sustainability ambitions.

The chain say that "choosing the right material" is key for each toy and where plastic can be used they will explore the option.

The fast food chain is looking at using two different types of International Sustainability and Carbon Certification system (ISCC) plastic which includes Mass Balance plastic which is occasionally made from cooking oil, and Green PE which is made party from sugar cane.

Both of these plastics are recyclable via specialist recycling the company looking to raise awareness on better recycling practices.

Ben Fox, the chief marketing officer for McDonald’s UK & Ireland told Metro: "Our iconic Happy Meal has been creating fun family moments for decades and that familiar feeling of excitement when kids open the box to discover which book or toy it contains."

"The new approach we’re testing means that we can keep delivering that great experience through a range of toys made with different recyclable materials that children can enjoy playing with for longer."